Steel production is evolving rapidly, with manufacturers continuously seeking ways to enhance efficiency, precision and sustainability. At Bauma 2025, Belgium-based steel plate manufacturer NLMK Clabecq reaffirms its position as a leading innovator in wear-resistant and high-strength steels, showcasing cutting-edge advancements in steel rolling technology and product development.

One of the latest breakthroughs in this field is InThinity, a cutting-edge method of rolling steel plates that offers superior thinness and consistent thickness tolerances. Made possible by the investments in the finishing mill of NLMK Clabecq, InThinity is poised to set new industry standards and offer unique advantages across various sectors, from mining to construction.

Alongside this technological advancement, NLMK presents two major product innovations: QUARD PRO, a new-generation wear-resistant steel, and QUEND 1300, a high-yield strength structural steel designed for lifting applications.

Additionally, NLMK Clabecq also announces the Q Calculator, a smart tool designed to help manufacturers determine the optimal processing parameters for cutting, welding, bending and machining QUARD and QUEND steel grades.

“InThinity is the result of significant investment and innovation in steel rolling technology,” NLMK Clabecq operational marketing manager Bernard Robins tells Mining Weekly.

“Unlike traditional heavy plate mills, which typically rely on a two-stand configuration, the Clabecq mill features a unique four-stand finishing process. This enables the production of exceptionally thin steel plates while maintaining unparalleled consistency in thickness,” he explains.

These plates, particularly those under 15 mm, exhibit improved weldability, cuttability and bendability, making them highly sought-after for applications that require precise engineering, such as in telescopic boom cranes.

Advancing Thin Plate Manufacturing

Steel manufacturers often face challenges when producing thinner plates, as each millimetre reduction in thickness increases complexity. However, InThinity not only ensures tight tolerances but also provides an alternative to strip products from coil, which are often width-limited. This opens up new possibilities for industries that demand wider, high-strength materials without compromising on precision.

InThinity’s benefits extend across various industries. In mining, where wear resistance and durability are crucial, steel plates such as QUARD PRO offer a solution that enhances machine lifespan and reduces maintenance costs. South African manufacturers, for example, benefit from locally stocked QUARD plates, ensuring faster access to high-quality materials that outperform alternatives.

In construction and heavy machinery, high-strength steel, such as QUEND 1300, plays a pivotal role. One of its key applications is in crane booms, where telescopic structures require plates with exceptional yield strength and minimal deviation in thickness. The ability to maintain precise tolerances over long sections of steel is essential for the stability and performance of cranes and lifting equipment.

Sustainability and Waste Reduction

The steel industry is under increasing pressure to minimise waste and enhance sustainability. InThinity contributes to this goal by optimising mill operations and reducing material waste. By improving production precision, the technology ensures that fewer resources are wasted owing to inconsistencies or defects.

Moreover, the durability of high-quality plates like QUARD PRO directly impacts sustainability by extending machine lifespan. “This, in turn, reduces the need for frequent replacements, lowering overall steel consumption and minimising the environmental impact of production,” says Robins.

With the introduction of InThinity and continued advancements in high-strength steel production, the industry is moving towards a new era of efficiency and precision. By offering manufacturers the ability to produce thinner, more reliable plates without compromising strength, these innovations are reshaping the possibilities of modern engineering.

“As steel technology evolves, companies that embrace these advancements will not only enhance their competitive edge but also contribute to a more sustainable and resource-efficient future,” he says.

By investing in its production facilities and continuously improving its product offering, NLMK Clabecq reinforces its long-term vision and its confidence in the future of high-performance steel solutions.

With innovations like InThinity rolling technology, QUARD PRO and QUEND 1300, the company is shaping the future of the construction and mining industries, offering precision, durability and performance at the highest level.